Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Friday enjoined youths in the state to always utilise their talent in creating great ideas and unleashing great potentials in all areas of human endeavor.
The Governor spoke at the commissioning of the newly reconstructed Multipurpose Onikan Youth Centre, Lagos, executed by PZ Cussons Foundation.
Ambode, who initially commended the effort of the management of PZ Foundation for the execution of the project, further enjoined youths in the state to utiilise centres such as that as a rallying point for the conception of bold ideas and unleash their potential in all facets of life.
“I thank the management of PZ Cussons Foundation for reconstructing this centre. Centres such as this will serve as a rallying point for the conception of great ideas and unleashing of potentials in all areas of human endeavor” he said.
The Governor maintained that the reconstruction of the centre is a good example of how private sector organisations can support the efforts of government for the common good of the society, calling on other corporate organisations to come up with credible mechanisms and projects to stimulate the society.
“Government alone cannot handle the many challenges our society is faced. I also call on other private sector organisations to come up with credible mechanisms and projects to stimulate the society”, he said.
“As a government, we will continue to explore ways to create an enabling environment to make businesses thrive. We are committed to introducing new incentives for businesses in Lagos to enable them grow, support the society to take more of our youths off the streets”, he said.
Governor Ambode also directed that the Centre be immediately connected to the Lagos Island Independent Power Project (IPP) to ensure 24-hour power supply to enable youths access the facility at all times.
Earlier, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, expressed appreciation to PZ Cussons Foundation for deeming it fit to reconstruct the centre.
He recalled that the premier youth centre in Nigeria now christened Onikan Youth Centre, was formerly known as Ogba Baba Ajasa, which was then an ordinary play ground but now elevated to the status of a multi-purpose centre.
He said the project execution by PZ Cussons is a challenge to other corporate bodies and also appealed to the youths in Lagos Island who are the direct beneficiaries of the facility to make optimal use of the centre.
